Manchester United might face a battle to keep hold of their goalkeeping star David De Gea, after it was revealed that Real Madrid have targeted the Spain international as a potential option to replace their veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas, as reported by fichajes.net.

Los Blancos have repeatedly looked to replace Casillas over the years with little success, with the latest attempt – Diego Lopez – having moved on to AC Milan this summer after the arrival of Keylor Navas.

Navas was thought to become the natural first choice at the Bernabeu after his arrival, but Casillas has played far more first team football under Carlo Ancelotti this season than he did last.

De Gea impressed considerably at the weekend, making a string of exceptional saves to ensure that Man Utd collected all three points against Everton.

With the intention of club president Florentino Perez being to sign more Spanish players, De Gea fits the bill, and is thought to be a potential target to replace Casillas.

However, Man Utd will not be keen to lose De Gea, and it could cost a significant sum for Real to bring him in.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has revealed that he considered quitting the Old Trafford club after his questionable start to life there, but is incredibly happy that he worked hard and recaptured his form, as reported by the Daily Star.

De Gea was in unstoppable form at the weekend, keeping Everton at bay with a series of spectacular saves that ensured a valuable three points for Louis van Gaal’s side in a tough contest.

The Manchester club were under significant pressure in the second half, and were it not for De Gea, they would have seen their lead slip in the last minutes of the game.

It’s a huge contrast to his start at the Red Devils, where the press and others questioned the sensibility of his signing.

A series of mistakes suggested that the Spain international did not have the mentality to play for Man Utd, but with work, he’s turned into one of the Premier League’s top ‘keepers.

He’s now revealed that, during his initial murky spell, he was close to quitting, but is happy he didn’t, saying: “Sometimes I thought about it. It is difficult when you get a lot of criticism, like I did.

“But I kept strong and I always tried to remain positive. I loved training. It was a great pleasure so I just did my work and worked through it.

“Those early days were difficult for me and my family. But when you play for a big club like Manchester United it is normal when you don’t play well.

“Now I think I am playing the best football of my career. I have been here for three years and in the beginning it was difficult. Now I am ready for everything.

“I think that experience at the start at United has helped me be the player and man I am now.

“When you have bad moments you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it and I believe I have become stronger. I am a much better goalkeeper now.”